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Veterinary Specialty Hospital's Chief of Surgery Pens Magazine Article on Surgery for Police Dogs

Cary, N.C. –December 3, 2009 –Dr. Gary Spodnick, chief of surgery for the Veterinary Specialty Hospital of the Carolinas (VSH), is the author of an article in the current issue of Police K-9 Magazine. The article focuses on cruciate ligament injuries in police dogs and the different treatment options available.

Cruciate ligament ruptures are often seen in athletic animals and are the most common cause of lameness in dogs. Dr. Spodnick covers both non-surgical and surgical treatment options in the article. Surgery is the recommended form of treatment with the two most common surgeries being tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) and tibial tuberosity advancement (TTA). Arthroscopy can also be an adjunct to surgical treatment and is a relatively new procedure used to treat cruciate ligament injuries in dogs. Arthroscopy is minimally invasive leading to faster recovery times and less postoperative pain.

“At VSH we have treated numerous police and military dogs from North Carolina and surrounding states who have been injured during training or in the line of duty,” said Dr. Spodnick. “This article breaks down the basics of the cruciate ligament injury along with the multiple treatment options in laymen’s terms so that dog handlers know what to expect and what can be done for their K-9 colleagues.”

Police K-9 Magazine is a national bi-monthly publication dedicated to police officers who work with service dogs.